Chad Wienen: 2012 ATV Pro MX national champ

January 31, 2013

Chad Wienen joined the Yamaha Racing team in 2012 and immediately proved that Yamaha made the right choice by winning the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound racer from Galena, Ill., rode his YFZ450R to six first-place finishes, three second-place finishes and a third-place finish in the 10-race series to capture the title.A pro since 2006, this is the 27-year-old Wienen’s first AMA ATV MX championship title.

Q: You and defending champion John Natalie took the battle down to the wire.

Chad Wienen: Yes, it was a battle for sure. Things were getting intense between us in some of the races towards the end. I just rode how I started the year, going out to win.

Q: Who were some of the toughest competitors you faced in 2012?

CW: The top five were some fast guys and then you had Josh Creamer who came and raced some rounds the last three races. He showed some speed out on the track.

Q: You race a Yamaha YFZ450R. What do you think of it?

CW: It’s an awesome machine that helped us get our first championship! What I love most about the Yamaha is that it is a quad you can ride and ride and ride. It’s low maintenance. This is the first time I had zero DNF's.

Q: What do you like about the AMA ATV Motocross Championship Series?

CW: It is the premier series where the best of the best go to compete for the championship.

Q: How long do you plan to continue racing the AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series? Do you foresee any up-and-comers who will keep the racing exciting?

CW: As long as I can. Ten years. Yes, for sure, there’s lots of potential out there. There are bright futures [for many riders].

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time that’s unrelated to ATV riding?

CW: Golfing, cycling, swimming, anything outdoors. I hang out with friends and enjoy life.

Q: What advice would you give a young person who wants to be an ATV racer like you?

CW: Work hard and enjoy the ride!

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

CW: I would like to thank everyone who believed in me to get the championship in 2012 and to defend it in 2013.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.